Iowa House honors local leader and remembers Jesse Jackson during Black History Month presentations
February 26, 2026 | 2026 House of Representatives, Legislative, Iowa
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The Iowa House devoted part of its floor time to Black History Month presentations, spotlighting longtime Story County leader Wayne and recalling the life of the civil-rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Representative Wilburn of Story introduced Wayne, a Story County resident who played high school and collegiate sports, pursued a career in education and coaching, and later served four terms on the Story County Board of Supervisors. Wilburn said Wayne "was the first African American elected official in Story County" and noted the community recognition he has received, including the Iowa State Association of Counties' Golden Eagle Award. Wilburn told members, "history walks amongst us," and asked the chamber to rise in thanks for Wayne's contributions.
A second presentation, given by a House member not named in the transcript, paid tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson. The speaker described Jackson's civil-rights work, two presidential campaigns in the 1980s, and his founding of Operation PUSH and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. The presentation noted Jackson "fought for economic equity, voting rights, and human dignity," and stated he died "peacefully on 02/17/2026." The speaker said Jackson "now lies in state at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago," per the transcript.
The presentations combined local remembrance with recognition of a national civil-rights figure, and concluded without any formal action by the chamber. The House then proceeded to other routine business and announcements.
Representative Wilburn of Story introduced Wayne, a Story County resident who played high school and collegiate sports, pursued a career in education and coaching, and later served four terms on the Story County Board of Supervisors. Wilburn said Wayne "was the first African American elected official in Story County" and noted the community recognition he has received, including the Iowa State Association of Counties' Golden Eagle Award. Wilburn told members, "history walks amongst us," and asked the chamber to rise in thanks for Wayne's contributions.
A second presentation, given by a House member not named in the transcript, paid tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson. The speaker described Jackson's civil-rights work, two presidential campaigns in the 1980s, and his founding of Operation PUSH and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. The presentation noted Jackson "fought for economic equity, voting rights, and human dignity," and stated he died "peacefully on 02/17/2026." The speaker said Jackson "now lies in state at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago," per the transcript.
The presentations combined local remembrance with recognition of a national civil-rights figure, and concluded without any formal action by the chamber. The House then proceeded to other routine business and announcements.
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